This project is an Augmented Reality app that aims to help users become aware of the possible natural disasters (e.g. wildfire, earthquakes, cyclones) in their local area. Natural disasters can be extremely stressful and traumatic events, especially if people are not aware of the dangers involved and not prepared to deal with them. The app presents users with steps to follow in order to protect their homes, and possible equipment to pack in case of a bug out situation. Through the use of augmented reality assets, the user will see a projection of a home, for instance, that will highlight areas of concern that the user should address, such as making sure the gutters have been cleaned of dried leaves.

Furthermore, users are able to complete a checklist of what they have currently implemented/packed with feedback on how prepared they are in relation to each category (e.g. food, clothing, communications, etc), alongside possible location-specific considerations.

These considerations would be derived from the Global Fire Weather Database (GFWED), which integrates data from a variety of sources. The sources include:

The Fire Weather Index (FWI) system – which tracks the dryness of three general fuel classes, as well as the potential behaviour of fire

The Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA-2) – which collects data on temperature, relative humidity, and wind speeds

The dataset can also be used to inform users through a push notification of possible future events, for example, the likelihood and intensity of upcoming wildfires. This allows ample time for citizens who are more at risk of danger, such as the elderly, disabled, or those prone to respiratory conditions, to evacuate earlier.

The app also allows users to test what they could possibly do to prepare their property or pack in order to increase their 'readiness' in case of a natural disaster occurring. Once again, the app will provide feedback on their preparedness within each category.

The prepared product for the SpaceApps presentation will showcase a single aspect of the proposed app where users prepare a bug out bag in case of a wildfire.

The team:

Anna Do - 3D assets/Research

Brandon Cheung - UI/UX Design

Connor Gibson - App Developer/UX

Malen Khean - Research

Mark Sorio - UI/UX Design

Matt Taylor - 3D Assets

Resources:

Unity

Adobe Illustrator

Maya

3DS Max

Challenges faced:

The challenges faced during the 2-day hackathon include:

Creating an effective UI/UX design (we still do not think that it allows for optimal user experience yet)

Conducting and organising the research using NASA sources and datasets in the time-frame given

Trying to use NASA data in a creative and impactful way, but still meeting the criteria of the challenge